FREE swimming for pensioners and teenagers in Potters Bar looks set to continue for a further six months. The news emerged following the release of a council report, which recommends that the free swimming pilot currently operating across Hertsmere be

FREE swimming for pensioners and teenagers in Potters Bar looks set to continue for a further six months.

The news emerged following the release of a council report, which recommends that the free swimming pilot currently operating across Hertsmere be extended until March 2010.

Since April, the over-60s and under-16s in Potters Bar have been able to use the pool at the Furzefield Leisure Centre, in Mutton Lane, for free for a total of seven hours each week.

The scheme, which has cost the borough council �3, 098, had been due to come to an end on September 30.

Brenda Batten, the council's portfolio holder for leisure, culture and health, said: "There has been a fantastic response to the free swimming.

"Every resident who took part was written to and invited to take part in a questionnaire and the overall response has been positive."

She added: "The take up has been good and residents have said it has encouraged them to go more often.

"Regular swimming has specific health benefits and can contribute towards an improved quality of life so this is great news."

A final decision on whether the free swimming can continue will be taken at a meeting of the council's executive in Borehamwood on Wednesday, September 9.